Beet Chips and Carrot Strings

by Joanne on March 4, 2010

A week of struggling to get out of bed. Burned out. Winter blues. Call it what you will, it was really tough getting out of bed and into the gym this week. All workout plans were completed, no let downs there. It was just a struggle during the first part of the week. Hate that! BUT… this is what happened today (Thursday)…

Got up to do my 30 min. Elliptical + 30 min. weights + 3 mile run with Shane. I took this as an experiment instead of my usual all natural fruit energizer: Everlast E-Drenaline.

I was a bit reluctant because of the caffeine, but I wanted to see if it would be a good option for the run on Saturday.

While on the E.T., my left ear got hot. No biggy, but then I felt really good. I went for 35 minutes. The weights were a breeze and I did 35 minutes of weights. Running? Gosh I felt GREAT! Shane and I ran 4.26 miles and I felt like I could have gone for 10!

After the workout, I was still in “great rush”mode and got a load of laundry in and out of the wash and vacuumed the dining rooms. My drive into work was wide awake and the whole morning was crystal clear. What a feeling!

It had to be the E-Drenaline and NOT this strawberry that I’m SURE they injected with growth hormones:

Since I did down the caffeine earlier, I was a bit nervous about how much coffee to consume but couldn’t go without my usual AM cup so I used a mild blend. It was too milky and weak. But why push it.

Do you take any Energy Aid to fuel your workouts?

Saturday is the Heart Run. The plan is the 10 mile run. The weather looks like it’s going to be mild and clear. There is no chip timing, it’s just a fun training run to help a good cause. No nerves, right? Wrong! 10 miles will be my longest run in a group/race situation. Even though it isn’t “technically” a race, you just can’t help getting into that competitive mind set.

NOW THE BEETS:

Good healthy eats for good healthy exercise: For more nutritional information on beets, see my post at EXAMINER.

Do you sometimes crave that salty, crisp taste of potato chips but know that they will really ruin your healthy eating endeavors? A great substitute is to roast vegetable chips. Lower in fat and high in nutrients.

The Beet is a perfect vegetable to introduce to the family.

Although the following recipe might not produce a crispy “chip” it does offer something so appealing to the taste senses: Sweet and Salty (you can regulate just how much salt you want). It’s sweet, earthy flavor will delight even the youngest mouth.

The fresh beet will keep for weeks under refrigeration and about 1 week once cooked.

Scrub it well. Leave about 1” of stem on the beet bulb which will minimize staining. For most recipes, you can peel after cooking but not for the recipe below. Bake, roast, fry, braise… so versatile, the choice is yours.

Recipe for Roasted Beet Slices and Carrot Strips: Serves 4

It is recommended you purchase a pair of plastic food handling gloves available at the local food store unless you don’t mind pink fingers for a day or so.

I don’t really take any energy stuff for working out. Unless coconut water counts. I try to have pre workout snack for the morning of either dates with nutbutter, or toast and nutbutter, or sometimes half of a protein bar (which I am trying to give up).
.-= Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Green eggs, Sam I am =-.

Kilax: They really are good. I never used to like them but you just can’t beat a fresh beet.

Shutup and run: I love coffee as well. I don’t drink it before a run because I don’t want to have to stop and for me, coffee = bathroom. My fave = Starbucks! Love it strong.

Lori: I’m trying to find the right running fuel for me. I know the protein bars I like have sugar alcohols in them (or sorbitol) and that makes me have to …ah -hem…..stop on a run. I HATE that. I used to (and prob. will Sat) have 1/2 banana w/ PB + whey protein drink.

Those beets look tasty, love the pretty colors too! Glorious antioxidants :)!!
Good luck on your upcoming run! For a long distance like that have a white bagel (half or whole) with banana and p.b. plus your protein shake. Your body will need the carbs and the white bagel will digest quicker, which is what you want in this case. Plus having minimal fiber before a longer workout will ensure a less active digestive system during your run!
Have you ever tried Gu packets? They contain glucose, fructose, and amino acids. This is really good to help fuel you during long workouts. It might help half way thru your 10k. I had the Tri-berry while skiing and it gave me the extra energy I needed and it did not upset my tummy. Some varieties contain caffeine as well.
Here’s a link to the site:http://guenergy.com/products/gu-energy-gel/ingredients-benefits
Good Luck, hope the weather holds up!!

Good luck on the 10 miler! It’s really not that bad. I promise. And it will be much more fun if you’re doing it in a group! I never used caffeine for my long runs (well I guess Gu gels had some caffeine but I only used those during the run). I woudl usually have a scoop of PB and a larabar to fuel me. Sigh I miss those days.
.-= Joanne´s last blog ..Cinnamon Butterscotch Bars =-.

Soma: Thanks. I’ll have to try them steamed now that I’ve found a new vegetable I absolutely love.

Pam: Thanks. That seems like a lot to eat and I’m used to running on an pretty much empty stomach. But any excuse to eat a bagel excites me so I just might pick one up today. It’s all an on going experiment with this belly.

Joanne: Thanks. In re- to the 10 miler, I’m going to enjoy the weather. My biggest fear is that my digestive system might get a bit “over active” if I try to fuel the run to much. I was planning on just a banana with 1 TBS of PB + a Gu about 2/3’ds way thru the run.